Wigan football fans will be getting a warm welcome for Swansea's historic first home game

Swansea is looking forward to showing visiting fans everything the area has to offer

View of Mumbles from Oystermouth Castle

Thousands of fans heading for Wigan's first away game of the season can be assured of the warmth of a Welsh welcome in Swansea on Saturday.

Fans making the trip south will be participants in a little bit of history because they'll be witnesses to the first ever Premier League game played at Swansea's Liberty Stadium.

The 20,500 capacity stadium is six years old and the Wigan support are being given the freedom of the newly-named Croeso Stand -  'Croeso' meaning 'Welcome' in the Welsh language.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez is no stranger to Swansea, but the thousands of fans who will be following him and the team are being offered a helping hand with ideas on where to park their vehicles ahead of the match, what to do and where else to visit in Swansea.

Chris Holley, the Leader of Swansea Council, said: "There is huge excitement right across the city of Swansea about our first home game in the Premier League.

Three Cliffs Bay, south Gower

"And while there will be rivalry on the pitch, Wigan fans can be assured that everyone here is pulling out all the stops to make sure their visit is as special to them as the day will be to us.

"Swansea, Wales' Waterfront City, boasts some excellenthotels, great shopping and probably the best beaches and most picturesque countryside in Britain. We're inviting Wigan fans to stay on after the game or even return with their families another time."

Tony McGetrick, chair of Tourism Swansea Bay, a local tourism businesses organisation added:

"Local tourism businesses are really looking forward to showing visiting fans the sights of Swansea and our wonderful coastline. Whatever the result on the pitch this weekend, there will always be a warm welcome from us."

The Liberty Stadium is situated to the north of the bustling city centre, which is within easy reach via public transport outside the ground.

Eating out in Swansea

To the west is Gower, Britain's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, boasting secluded sandy beaches, wonderful surfing and greatwalking country.

Fans making their own way south by car should use the specially-organised Park and Ride site just off Junction 46 of the M4. It will be clearly sign-posted. From there it's a short bus ride from the stadium. It costs just £6 for a car and its passengers.

Supporters arriving by train will have the chance to make their way to the stadium door-to-door via public transport from bus stops right next to Swansea railway station.

They'll also be close to the city centre which boasts some great shops, pubs and restaurants for after-the-game entertainment.

Before you travel check out our Fans Corner for all the information you need on how to get to Swansea and what to do when you get here.

Why is Gower so special? Here is the answer with thanks to www.visitswanseabay.com

Why is Gower so special?

Gower was designated in 1956 as the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Early Purple Orchid, Gower Peninsula

The Gower Peninsula covers 188 sq km and was selected as the first AONB for its classic coastline (much of it is Heritage Coast) and its outstanding natural environment (33% is National Nature Reserve or a Site of Special Scientific Interest).

The Peninsula's richly varied natural environment is renowned for its heathland, limestone grassland, fresh- and salt-water marshes, dunes and oak woodlands. Its mixed geology has given rise to a wide variety of scenery in a relatively small landscape area.  Dramatic limestone cliffs, interspersed with sandy beaches and rocky shores, dominate its southern coast. In the north, the coast is low-lying with extensive salt marshes and dune systems.

There are at least 1200 archaeological sites in the AONB of different periods and types. These include caves, Iron Age forts, medieval castles, churches, a lighthouse and 19^th Century parks. 73 of these are of national importance, with 124 listed buildings.

The western part of the AONB is included in the Register of Landscapes of Outstanding Historic Interest in Wales, for the rich evidence of a long sequence of land use and occupation from the prehistoric to industrial periods.  This includes Iron Age forts and a surviving medieval open field system (known as the Vile, near Rhossili).

Did you know?

• Gower has over 30 miles of beautiful coastline and 50 beaches, many with awards (Gower has some of the cleanest waters in the UK).
• Worms Head at Rhossili (the westernmost point of Gower) is a mile-long Peninsula reputed to be the 7^th most photographed sunset in the World